2024 Leapmotor C10 first Impressions: Maserati-tuned value king

KUALA LUMPUR:  When we first previewed the Leapmotor C10 back in September, it made a striking impression. Its exterior design screamed sophistication, with sharp LED lighting, flush door handles, and a sporty roof spoiler. 

Inside, the spaciousness and remarkably soft seats left us equally impressed, setting it apart from its competitors. The OEKO-Tex Standard 100 upholstery felt luxurious yet practical—baby-friendly, liquid-resistant, and as comfortable as your favourite leather sofa. 

However, that initial encounter only allowed us to test the C10 in a carpark. While we could admire its D-segment SUV size and its competitive C-segment price tag of RM149,000 (promotional Until 31 December 2024), we left disappointed that we couldn’t experience what promised to be a standout feature: the ride and handling tuned by Maserati.

Fast forward to last week, and we finally got the opportunity we’d been waiting for—a proper media drive. Stellantis Malaysia invited us on a journey from Bamboo Hills in Kuala Lumpur to the serene Mangala Resort in Gambang, Pahang, a 216-kilometer trek encompassing highways, winding B-roads, and some city traffic.

It was the perfect playground to test the C10’s Italian-tuned dynamics, and the results were more than worth the wait.

First Impressions: A Spacious Luxury for All

Before hitting the road, the interior once again stole the spotlight. In a market where spacious SUV EVs like the Kia EV9, BMW iX, and Lotus Eletre come with hefty price tags starting from RM370,000, the Leapmotor C10 is a breath of fresh air. 

At RM159,000 (regular price), it offers similar levels of roominess and comfort. Measuring 4,739 mm in length, 1,900 mm in width, and with a generous 2,825 mm wheelbase, the C10 feels like a true D-segment SUV. The 435L boot space expands to 1,410L with the rear seats folded, and there's even a 32L frunk for extra practicality.

Whether you’re a family or a solo adventurer, the C10 feels like home. The extremely large feeling 42-inch fixed panoramic roof, combined with ambient lighting, adds a sense of airiness. Materials are thoughtfully chosen—soft-touch plastics dominate the upper cabin, while harder plastics at the bottom feel durable for everyday wear and tear. It’s the perfect mix of premium and practical.

Infotainment: A Mixed Bag

One area that required some adjustment was the infotainment system, powered by a 14.6-inch central display and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. While visually impressive, it controls nearly every function, from headlights to climate settings. 

Initially, navigating the system felt clunky, but by the end of the drive, we had a better grasp of it. The lack of Android Auto or Apple CarPlay is noticeable, but Stellantis Malaysia assures us these features will be added soon. Until then, you’re left with onboard navigation, which, to its credit, is surprisingly good—accurate, detailed, and capable of finding nearby charging stations.

Charging and Range

Speaking of charging, the C10 features DC fast charging at up to 84 kW, capable of juicing up the battery from 30-80% in just 30 minutes. The 69.9 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery offers a respectable range of 424 km (WLTP), keeping range anxiety somewhat comfortably at bay. Using a standard AC charger, it takes approximately 6.1 hours to juice up from 30% to 80%.

Let’s just say the Leapmotor C10 reached Mangala Resort with around 100 km of range left. While that might trigger the instinctive urge to charge—because let’s face it, seeing 100 km on an EV always feels like crunch time—it’s worth noting that the C10 managed the journey without being treated like a showroom queen.

With an official WLTP range of 424 km, the trip to Mangala, just 216 km from our starting point, technically consumed about 100 km more than expected.

However, considering the conditions—tackling the inclines of Karak Highway and a lunch detour in Mentakab—the C10’s efficiency proved to be quite impressive.

These factors undoubtedly added to the energy draw, but the EV handled it all with grace, demonstrating that real-world range is still plenty usable for road trips with a bit of spirited driving thrown in.

On the Road: Maserati’s Magic

As much as we loved the interior, the real highlight top us was the drive. On highways, the C10 delivered a smooth, composed ride. The 218 PS (160 kW) motor provides effortless acceleration, hitting 0-100 km/h in 7.5 seconds, with a top speed of 170 km/h. It was on the twisty roads of Genting during the return leg where Maserati's influence truly came to life.

The C10’s Stellantis-tuned suspension is truly a game-changer. Body control is excellent, with minimal roll even during spirited cornering. The rear-wheel-drive layout and near-perfect weight distribution make the C10 feel agile and planted, something rarely seen in EVs of this size. The 20-inch Trident alloys wrapped in 245/45 Dunlop e.Sport Maxx tires further enhance grip, inspiring confidence on winding roads.

While the electric power steering lacks feedback, it’s precise, allowing us to carve corners effortlessly. Maserati has done a stellar job hiding the car’s 1,980 kg kerb weight—it feels lighter and nimbler than it has any right to be.

The only reminder of its heft came during heavy braking, where the brakes felt slightly spongy. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it’s something worth noting and getting used to if you plan to buy the C10

Highway Manners and ADAS Features

Out on the highway, the Leapmotor C10 showcased a level of refinement that belied its price tag. The cabin remained a cocoon of serenity, with wind and road noise kept at bay, allowing the 12-speaker, 840W sound system to work its magic.

Despite being equipped with non branded speakers, It didn’t just play music—it transformed the cabin into a moving concert hall, making every stretch of road feel like a private performance venue.

Honestly, I never wanted to move on to the drivers seat and tried to dupe my co drivers to drive all the way. It was that pleasant being a passenger at the rear in the C10.

Eventually, I was “gently encouraged” to return to the driver’s seat—a not-so-subtle request—but it gave me the chance to explore more of the C10’s driving features.

The ADAS Level 2 systems were, to put it diplomatically, a mixed bag. On one hand, Adaptive Cruise Control was a nice, taking the stress out of long stretches by smoothly maintaining speed and distance from other vehicles. Traffic Jam Assist, too, worked like a charm, deftly handling stop-and-go traffic as though the car could anticipate our every move.

But then came the Lane Keeping Assist, which turned what should have been a relaxed cruise into an arm-wrestling match. It was constantly but “gently” keeping us centered, resulting in constant battles with the steering wheel.

Maybe it’s our less-than-perfect driving style—or maybe it’s just a feature that needs a bit more finesse. Unfortunately, turning it off wasn’t a simple matter.

The system only allowed us to disable it when the car was stopped, which was frustrating, especially on winding, twisty roads where we would have preferred to rely on our own inputs.

It’s a small but significant quirk that reminds us no system is perfect, even in a car that otherwise excels at making life on the road more enjoyable.

A little more flexibility here, and the C10 could have nailed it. Also in respect to the C10, any vehicle I drive, I tend to switch Lane Keeping Assist off, it’s not for me as I don’t like the feeling that a vehicle is possessed and prefer my own steering inputs.

Meanwhile, the dual-zone climate control with PM2.5 filtration kept the cabin perfectly comfortable—neither too hot nor too cold, just that sweet spot you rarely get right on a road trip.

The ventilated seats? Absolute lifesavers for Malaysia’s moody weather, keeping us cool under the blazing sun and cozy when rain swept through unexpectedly.

And then there were the thoughtful conveniences—the powered tailgate making luggage handling a breeze, wireless charging ensuring gadgets stayed juiced up, and the NFC card key adding a dash of futuristic flair to an already tech-laden experience. These weren’t just features; they were a reminder that the C10 is jacked up in tech.

Final Thoughts: The D-Segment EV for the C-Segment Price

The Leapmotor C10 is quite an impressive machine. With its spacious, well-appointed interior, competitive pricing, and Maserati-tuned handling, it’s a clear standout in the burgeoning EV market. 

Sure, the infotainment system takes some getting used to, and the absence of Apple CarPlay or Android Auto is a slight inconvenience for now. But these are small compromises for what is otherwise an exceptional package.

For RM149,000 (promo price until 31 December 2024), the C10 offers D-segment dimensions, luxury-level comfort, and Italian-inspired driving dynamics that punch well above its weight. Even at its regular price of RM159,000, it’s an incredible value, undercutting rivals like the BYD Sealion 7 which starts closer to RM200,000.

In a world where spacious EVs often come with prohibitive price tags, the Leapmotor C10 is a breath of fresh air. It’s proof that you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the best of what modern electric SUVs have to offer. 

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable family car or a stylish, fun-to-drive EV, the C10 delivers on all fronts. It’s a very good EV, and we can’t wait to see how it can shake up the market.

Also Read: All-new Leapmotor C10 EV launched in Malaysia, check details